Mick Keogh, Agricultural Commissioner of the Australian Competition Consumer Commission (ACCC), recently emphasised the need for growers and traders to ensure they are compliant with the revised Horticulture Code otherwise they will run the risk of penalties and fines.
The new Horticulture Code, introduced on April 1, 2017, has been designed to protect growers’ interests while reflecting the business flexibilities and realities needed to operate in the market place.
While the ACCC will continue working with industry associations like Growcom to educate growers and traders about their rights and obligations, the next stage of its work will take the form of compliance checks.
Courts can impose penalties of up to $63,000 for serious breaches of certain sections of the code. For other smaller breaches, the ACCC can issue infringement notices of up to $10,500 for body corporates and $2100 for individuals.
Growcom, with support from Queensland’s regional horticulture organisations, will be running a series of free workshops throughout August to educate growers about their obligations under the code and also the protections it provides them.
We are pleased to announce an ACCC representative will attend the workshops as a guest speaker and will be available to answer specific questions in relation to the code.
Growcom has developed template horticulture produce agreements (HPAs) and these will be distributed and discussed at the workshops.
The Horticulture Code applies to all fruit and vegetables growers unless you sell solely and directly to a retailer, processor or exporter. If you market or distribute your products through a pack-house or consolidator then you are required to hold an HPA with them.
The workshops are free for all Queensland growers although we ask you to RSVP for catering purposes.
Workshop Dates: Bowen August 3, Mareeba – August 17, Gayndah – August 22, Bundaberg – August 23, Gatton – August 24, Stanthorpe – August 31. Full details are available on the Growcom website www.growcom.com.au.
